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Jun 18
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Pairing Food With Local Drinks: 8 Cities That Get It Right

By Beer, Food, Spirits, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

One of the best ways to explore a destination is through its flavors. It’s not just about what’s on your plate, but in your glass. Around the world, some cities go above and beyond, offering local pairings that are more than just delicious—they’re cultural experiences.

Whether it’s a flaky pastry paired with fortified wine or street tacos served with smoky mezcal, these 8 cities perfect the pairing game, giving food-loving travelers something to savor and remember. Let’s talk about pairing food with local drinks.

1. Porto, Portugal

Pairing: Pastel de nata + Tawny Port
Why it works: Portugal’s famous egg tart is a sweet custard dream, and when you pair it with a chilled tawny port, the caramel notes sing. In Porto, you can hop between pastry shops and historic port lodges in a single afternoon.

Pro tip: Visit Café Majestic for coffee and a tart, then cross the river to Graham’s or Taylor’s for a port tasting with cheese and chocolate or let us organize a perfect tasting for you.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

Pairing: Bobotie + Chenin Blanc
Why it works: Bobotie is a spiced meat pie with sweet-savory flavors that shine next to a crisp, slightly fruity Chenin Blanc—a South African favorite that’s having a global moment.

Pro tip: Visit Franschhoek or Stellenbosch for a taste of the Cape’s best pairings, included on our South Africa Wine & Safari Vacation.

3. Brussels, Belgium

Pairing: Moules-frites + Saison beer
Why it works: Mussels in white wine sauce, served with golden fries, call for something dry and effervescent. Enter: saison—a Belgian farmhouse ale that’s bubbly, slightly funky, and perfect with seafood.

Pro tip: Pair each course with a different Belgian beer. You’ll find entire menus dedicated to beer pairings here.

4. Tbilisi, Georgia

Pairing: Khinkali (soup dumplings) + Qvevri wine
Why it works: Georgia is the birthplace of wine, and its amber-hued, skin-contact wines made in clay vessels (qvevri) pair beautifully with hearty local dishes. Khinkali—juicy, meaty dumplings—balance perfectly with the tannic bite of an unfiltered Rkatsiteli.

Pro tip: Try a wine bar like Vino Underground to taste traditional qvevri wines alongside small plates like lobio and sulguni cheese.

5. Mumbai, India

Pairing: Butter chicken + Indian craft beer
Why it works: Mumbai’s vibrant street food and bold curries need refreshment, and India’s exploding craft beer scene delivers. A hoppy pale ale or mango-flavored wheat beer cuts through rich dishes like butter chicken or pav bhaji.

Pro tip: Visit Bombay Canteen or Gateway Taproom for regional dishes paired with creative cocktails and local brews.

6. Bordeaux, France

Pairing: Entrecôte à la Bordelaise + Left Bank red
Why it works: Bordeaux may be famous for its wine, but the food deserves equal praise. A juicy steak in a red wine-shallot sauce sings with a classic Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot blend from the Médoc.

Pro tip: Go beyond châteaux—try a casual wine bar in the Chartrons district to sample regional bottles with cheese, pâté, and duck confit.

7. Mendoza, Argentina

Pairing: Empanadas + Malbec
Why it works: Mendoza’s empanadas (often filled with spiced beef and olives) are baked to golden perfection and practically demand a glass of inky, bold Malbec. The wine’s dark fruit and spice echo the smoky meat and flaky pastry.

Pro tip: Tour vineyards on bike in the Uco Valley, stopping for empanadas and asado lunches with mountain views.

8. Adelaide, Australia

Pairing: Kangaroo loin + Barossa Shiraz
Why it works: Adelaide’s food scene is fearless, local, and bold—just like its wines. Kangaroo, a lean, gamey red meat, pairs perfectly with the spicy intensity of a Barossa Valley Shiraz.

Pro tip: Head to the Adelaide Central Market for snacks, then take a short trip into wine country for cellar-door tastings with seasonal lunch pairings.

From the dumpling houses of Tbilisi to the wine cellars of Adelaide, these cities prove that food and drink are made to be enjoyed together. So next time you travel, don’t just ask what’s for dinner. Ask what goes with it.

Want to learn more about pairing food with local drinks? Check out our featured travel destinations!

Apr 30
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Belgium’s Beer Culture

Belgium’s Legendary Beer Culture

By Beer No Comments

If you have a passion for exceptional brews, then Belgium is your ultimate playground. Known as the birthplace of some of the world’s most extraordinary beers, this vibrant country invites you on an exhilarating journey through a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions. Dive into Belgium’s legendary beer culture and discover the unique tastes that have captivated enthusiasts around the globe!

Why Belgium is the Ultimate Beer Travel Destination

Belgium embodies the spirit of brewing like no other country. Its rich brewing heritage is woven into history, culture, and daily life. UNESCO recognizes Belgian beer culture as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” celebrating both the exceptional product and the cherished traditions that enhance lives.

1. Belgium’s Beer Is as Diverse as Its Culture
With more than 300 active breweries producing over 1,500 distinct beer styles, Belgium is a playground for beer lovers. From bold, complex Trappist ales brewed by monks in silent abbeys to refreshing saisons born on Belgian farms, and funky, sour lambics aged in wooden barrels, Belgian beer offers **a range of flavor profiles** that few countries can match.

Every region in Belgium brings its own twist—Wallonia’s rustic farmhouse beers, Flanders’ deep reds and browns, and Brussels’ spontaneous fermentation magic. It’s more than just beer; it’s a full-spectrum tasting experience that reflects Belgium’s multicultural roots.

2. The Trappist Breweries: Beer with Soul
Belgium is home to six of the world’s eleven official Trappist breweries, where beer is brewed by or under the supervision of monks. These spiritual brewing houses, such as Westmalle, Chimay, and Orval, aren’t just iconic—they’re sacred to beer enthusiasts.

Travelers can visit these monasteries, learn about the monastic brewing process, and often sample beers on-site. Tasting a Westvleteren 12 (considered one of the best beers in the world) just a few steps from where it’s made is not just a highlight—it’s like a beer pilgrimage.

3. Historic Cities, Beer Bars, and Beautiful Breweries
From Bruges’ cobblestone streets to Brussels’ lively beer cafés, Belgium is ideal for beer enthusiasts. Many bars feature hundreds of beer options, often served in unique glassware. A visit to Delirium Café in Brussels, once holding the Guinness World Record for beer selection, is a must for any beer traveler.

Plus, Belgium’s brewery architecture is stunning—think centuries-old abbeys, canal-side warehouses, and charming countryside farmhouses. Touring breweries like Brouwerij De Halve Maan or Cantillon is like walking through beer history.

4. Belgian Beer Is Meant to Be Savored
One of the most refreshing things about Belgian beer culture is how beer is treated with reverence, more like fine wine than a casual drink. Belgians understand that good beer is about balance, complexity, and experience.

5. A Guided Belgium Beer Tour Makes It Effortless
Exploring Belgium as a beer enthusiast is amazing, but it can be challenging to navigate the language and logistics. A guided Belgium beer tour is the perfect solution, offering exclusive brewery visits, curated tastings, beer-paired meals, and a knowledgeable guide to uncover hidden gems.

On a guided beer tour, you’ll not only enjoy expertly curated tastings, but also learn how to pair beer with Belgian cuisine, which includes world-class cheese, mussels, frites, and chocolate. It’s a culinary journey that deepens your appreciation for each sip.

Belgium Beer Tour: Trappists and Beyond

Now, you can experience it all firsthand with our new Belgium Beer Tour: Trappists and Beyond, a curated, intimate journey into the heart of Belgian brewing history!

What Makes The “Trappists and Beyond” Tour Different

The Trappists and Beyond tour goes deeper than the classic Belgian beer trail. While many beer tours focus on larger cities like Brussels or Bruges, this journey is about immersing yourself in the quieter, more authentic corners of Belgium, where brewing traditions still follow the rhythms of the land and history.

  • Exclusive Visits to Trappist Breweries:
    We’ll visit several of Belgium’s iconic Trappist breweries, including the revered Orval and Rochefort abbeys, where monks have been perfecting their brews for centuries.
  • Beyond the Trappists:
    You’ll also explore independent breweries, small-town beer cafes, and family-run establishments producing outstanding Belgian ales, farmhouse saisons, and more.
  • Charming Towns and Scenic Countryside:
    Instead of sticking to big cities, this tour leads you through the lush forests of the Ardennes, historic villages, and picturesque farmlands—showing you a side of Belgium many travelers miss.
  • Private Tastings and Insider Access:
    You’ll enjoy private tastings, guided visits, and conversations with brewers who are passionate about sharing their craft.

Who is This Tour Perfect For?

If you love beer, have an appetite for cultural experiences, and prefer traveling with a small group of like-minded people, this tour is designed for you. It’s ideal for travelers who:

  • Appreciate the art and heritage behind every glass
  • Want a deeper, less touristy experience of Belgium
  • Have time to explore and fully enjoy leisurely days filled with tastings, history, and great company
  • Are open to the ease and comfort of a fully guided experience, where all the logistics are handled for you

Get Ready to Raise a Glass

If you’ve been dreaming about traveling to Belgium for a beer-focused adventure, now is the time. The Belgium Beer Tour: Trappists and Beyond offers a rare chance to dive deep into the world’s most storied beer culture with an expertly curated itinerary that blends tradition, taste, and travel.  Join us in 2025 for an unforgettable journey through Belgium—one Trappist brew at a time.

Feb 06
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Czech Republic beer tourism

Czech Republic is the Number One Country in the World for Beer Tourism

By Beer, Taste Vacations No Comments

Many people passionate about beer believe the Czech Republic is one of the best countries in the world for beer tourism. Here are just a few reasons why.

  1. Brewing Tradition: The Czech Republic has a rich history and deep-rooted tradition in brewing beer. In fact, historians uncovered evidence of a brewery being established in the year 933 (almost 1,500 years ago) at Břevnov Monastery in Prague, which still has a brewery to this day.
  2. Pilsner Beer: The Czech Republic is renowned for creating the Pilsner style of beer. Pilsner Urquell, brewed in the city of Plzeň (Pilsen), is considered the archetype of the pilsner style. This beer has influenced the brewing of beers globally and, according to TasteAtlas.com, is now the #2 most popular style of beer in the world.
  3. Variety and Quality: Czech beer culture is diverse, offering various styles beyond pilsners, such as dark lagers (tmavé pivo), wheat beers (psenicne pivo), and more. The country also boasts a wide range of breweries, from large-scale producers to smaller craft breweries, ensuring a vast selection of high-quality beers for tourists to explore.
  4. Beer Culture and Hospitality: The Czech Republic has a vibrant beer culture deeply ingrained in its society. Pubs and beer halls are plentiful, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a pint of fresh, flavorful beer. In fact, the Czech Republic is the top consumer of beer per capita in the world.
  5. Affordability: Beer in the Czech Republic is relatively affordable compared to many other countries. A decade ago the country’s health minister proposed a law requiring pubs and restaurants to offer at least one non-alcoholic drink on the menu priced lower than beer. That proposal failed and beer is still very reasonably priced in the country.
  6. Accessibility: If you want to talk beer tourism, it is important to include locations outside Prague. The Czech Republic is not a large country and thus distances to key points of interest are reasonable. From Prague it is only 1.5 hours drive to Plzeň, home of Pilsner Urquell, or one hour 45 minutes drive to České Budějovice, home of the original Budvar.

So if you are interested in traveling to a destination for the beer or at least incorporating beer and breweries into your travels,  the Czech Republic is, indeed, one of the top destinations in the world for beer tourism. Interested in experiencing this? Join our September 10 – 16, 2024 Czech Republic Beer Vacation or create your own Czech Republic beer tour.

Dec 04
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Czech beer guides

Our Czech Beer Guides Make our Tour Special

By Beer, Taste Vacations No Comments

We have hired two Czech beer guides that make our Czech Republic Beer & Walking Vacation the best beer vacation in the country. We work with Jakub Neužil and Martin Havlin to make sure we are visiting the best breweries in Czechia and get inside access when we do.

Industry Experience

Both Martin and Jakub work at (Budweiser Budvar), the famous state-owned brewery. Martin is a Business Development Manager and Jakob is a Export On-trade Development Manager. Before that, Martin worked at Pivovar Proud, the experimental craft brewery that is part of even-more-famous Pilsner Urquell, and at the Czech Brewmasters s.r.o., which provides technology consulting and construction services to breweries, and did contract work for , a Prague brewery.

Czech Beer Tours

All the above experience alone would make Martin and Jakob perfect as our beer tour guides, since they have worked in or known most of the top breweries in the country. In addition, however, Martin and Jakob together founded Prague Craft Beer Tours in June of 2019. They take locals and tourists to some of the best beer spots in Prague. The company started as a side business but has now grown to where they are hiring additional guides.

Personal Experiences

Martin has a family history in the beer industry, having worked in the family company that specializes in hops sales. His brother is a brewmaster and his mother has worked in the hops business for more than 20 years. Martin is also a certified beer sommelier and even worked for a year as a tour guide in Spain. He has degrees from universities in France and Spain and is fluent in English.

Jacob is an economist by training who has specialized in the beer industry. He is a homebrewer and so also has an excellent understanding of the production side of beer. He even has a wine sommelier certificate!

Our Czech Beer Guides

Our Czech Republic Beer & Walking Vacations are designed around … the breweries and the beer. We have worked with Martin and Jakob to create what we believe is the best beer vacation on offer in the country. Make no mistake – we also visit fantastic cities, tour the Prague Castle, visit a monastery, and more fun. This is still a vacation. But if you are into beer, look no further than this tour.

In 2024 we are offering a Czech Republic Beer & Walking Vacation from September 10 – 16 that is open to everyone and a perfect way to meet other beer enthusiasts. Jakob and Martin will combine to guide on this tour along with one of our professional tour guides. It is also possible to book this tour as a private group with as few as six people on your own chosen date. In this case, the local guide might be Jakob, Martin, or one of their other professional guides.

Czech Beer Guides

Martin Havlin

Czech Beer Guides

Jakub Neužil

Oct 30
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food wine and beer tour

Food, Wine and Beer Tours in 2024

By Beer, Food, Taste Vacations, Wine No Comments

Taste Vacations designs multi-day food, wine and beer tours to provide you with an amazing vacation to the best destinations in the world. Our tours offer you an opportunity to explore a variety of cultures and flavors. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy our tours – all you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to try new things.

Our focus is mostly on small group private tours, but we do offer a number of “public” tours each year that are open to everyone. A small group vacation is perfect if you don’t have a large enough traveling party to meet the minimum or simply because you enjoy meeting new people who share the same love of food, wine, or beer that you do. In 2024 we’re excited to be offering three fabulous public tours:

Tuscany Food & Wine Tour

Tuscany is a spectacular region for a vacation and there is no better way to visit than to focus on the local food and wine. It is hard to say whether Tuscany is better known for its food or its wine and this toss-up is what makes this region perfect for a combination Food & Wine Vacation.

South Africa Wine & Safari Tour

We’ve paired delectable South African wine with an exhilarating safari, creating one of the most exciting wine vacations in the world! On the South Africa Wine & Safari tour you’ll not only learn about a variety of incredible wines but of South Africa’s history and culture as they are intrinsically intertwined. The country is truly one of the most amazing lands on the earth and you will be inspired by its music, its people, and its culture.

Czech Republic Beer & Walking Vacation

Join us on this exclusive moderately active Czech Republic Beer Vacation. With amazing beer, welcoming brewers, an intriguing culture, enchanting towns, and the modern fantasy land of Prague, the Czech Republic has everything a beer lover could want.

New Private Food, Wine & Beer Vacations

Most of our travelers choose to form their own small private group of family members, friends, couples, or even work groups, and they get to choose their own destination and trip dates. 2024 brings a few new culinary vacation options to our roster.

In addition to the new Czech Republic beer tour above which can also be organized for a private group, you can now vacation in the undisputed world capital of wine with our Bordeaux Food & Wine tour. Or, experience first hand the big contributions to worldwide beer culture that Ireland has made, including the current craft beer boom that is developing there, on our exclusive Ireland Brewery and Distillery Vacation. With a minimum of only six travelers needed for a private tour, these are easy and ideal culinary adventures to organize.

Often people are nervous about signing up for a group tour but we find the group camaraderie becomes the highlight of the tour. The unique experiences we instill into each food, wine, and beer tour ensures your vacation is interesting, educational, inspiring, and fun. Don’t miss the full roster of available tours for 2024.